Kite Festival (Ahmedabad)

Kite Festival seems to be the very life of the city of Ahmedabad. Yes, at the time of maker sankranti (January 14) festival throughout Ahmedabad kite flying competitions are held. The history of kite flying can well be traced to medieval times and evan today it is a very popular entertainment not only among the children but also among the elders. This festival is celebrated in Gujarat with kite flying, merry making and feasting. Throughout the day, young and old indulge in the joys of kite flying. This unique festival fills and skies with kites of different colors, shades and shapes. With its increasing popularity International Kite Festival is celebrated every year at different venues (Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, etc.). In this festival not only people of different regions of India but also from Japan, Thailand, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and USA participate. With the increasing popularity and creativity in the game.
It is no longer confined to flimsy paper and bamboo creation of children. Now-a-days 'kite experts' produce kites in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Some of the kites have 300 to 600 tailed pieces. Kites are usually made of nylon sailcloth. The frames and tubing are of fiberglass or carbon graphite. Ahmedabad, the city of kites, has an International Kite Museum where kites of various sizes, colors and shape from all over the world are collected and displayed. On the kite flying day competitions are also held in three basic events.
1) Kite flying,
2) Kite cutting,
3) Kite exhibition.

Kite festival accompanies lots of festivities as well. At Ahmedabad various contemporary Indian handicrafts are displayed at the stalls. Exciting range of Gujarati food is also prepared. The specialty of Gujarat undhiyu and tal and papadi can also be had on this day. Cultural programmes of famous Gujarati folk dances like garba, are organized. Turkals or illuminated kites are flown at night, lighting up the skies.
Interestingly kite flying is a popular sport all over the world. The Malaysian Government actively encourages it and contests are held regularly. In Thailand a unique kite flying custom is prevalent. There are male kites flown only by men and 'female' kites flown likewise by women. "A battle of sexes rages in the sky". In Japan they fly a kite weighing approx. 2500 kg made of 3000 pieces of paper. It takes almost 200 people to get it aloft and soaring.